AC chemo, 4 doses over 8 weeks?

Yes, I went through chemo a few years ago .. it wasn't easy but it is doable.. I did work still - but missed a few days each time I had a treatment - it was 4 treatments 3 weeks apart... my hair fell out almost exactly 2 weeks after my 1st treatment - fell out in handfuls and clumps in the shower adnI had my husband shave it all off at that point..I didn't travel but that was because the immune system is compromised and I didn't want to be exposed to germs needlessly. I am sure someone will start a group (or maybe there is already) or you could start it - call it Starting Chemo July 2015...and I am sure you will find many others going through what you are and its so good to share experience from others doing the same thing you are at the same time..

God bless you and all the best..

Hi Michele!

I had dense dose AC last year. During AC, I did travel (went on a vacation after Dose #1), and worked through Doses #2, #3, and #4. Typically, your hair falls out 2 -- 3 weeks after Dose #1. I didn't wait; shortly before Dose #2, I shaved my head. (I hate shedding hair and already had my wig.)

During AC, the first two days after the infusion were OK because I was still on a steroid high from the pre-treatment meds. (It was hard to sleep on those days, however.) By Day #4, I was pretty spacey and lethargic. Small tasks like putting away the laundry took forever and seemed to sap my energy. But, by Day #6, I felt better. Otherwise, my worst side effects (SEs) were heartburn (managed by OTC meds) and altered taste-buds.

Are you getting Neulasta shots after each AC infusion? Some BC patients have problems with Neulasta. Many take Claritin to avoid its SEs. I didn't have problems with Neulasta myself.

IamNancy gave some good advice -- join the July chemo group when it forms. (Or, you could start the thread yourself!) I was in the July 2014 chemo group and it was a very supportive group of women. Best wishes! I had an easy time of AC, but I was relatively young (46) and otherwise healthy (aside from the cancer, that is).

Hi

I also did a/c in 8 weeks... every other friday-- I shaved my head the week before the second treatment because my onc told me my hair would fall out at 13 days... figured I would just get ahead of it. I was treated on Friday and felt fine---- sort of took a dive on Monday/Tuesday-- just feeling kind of nauseous/flu like... so I would take those days off... but generally went to work- did not do much more--decided to just lay low--it was deep in the winter- so it was not hard!! I usually exercise regularly-but I gave myself those 8 weeks off and picked it back up during radiation..... I started in January, ended in February and stopped wearing my wig in late June... feels like a very distant memory now.

Most of my friends who had chemo did it every 3 weeks-- the 8 week regimen really goes by in a flash... and I generally felt great by the second week---just in time for the next treatment!!! I also gave myself the neulasta shot each time with help of my h... take all the drugs they give you-and if something does not work, let them know. I tend towards nausea-- so after the first treatment, they upped my meds.....

good luck

I was on a study so got 6 and not 4 doses of AC. Was really dragging towards the end, but still worked. In fact, I had to look up yesterday some of the work I did during that period. I have my own business, so worked from home. I had Neulasta, a good thing because I never had to worry about infection or neutropenia.

I will say that DD is a Generation 3 protocol, not a Generation 2, so worth doing for that reason.  If you can exercise throughout, things will most likely go better. Those study results came out about a month ago, and they are on in the research section of the home page of BCO.

On the other end of all treatment, I am strong and fit. Doing the best work of my career. Losing my hair meant that I now have someone professional cut it, so a fabulous new look.

Good luck! We are here to cheer you on when you need it. - Claire

I think everyone loses their hair on A/C. My head, scalp hurt. I had it shaved about a week after the first chemo. All the hair on your body falls out, including your nose hairs. A runny nose is common.

Towards the end of the 4 months fatigue is common. ( I had DD Taxol also ) I spent a lot of time in the recliner, reading & watching tv. The treatment is difficult, but doable.

I had dose dense AC, and it totally kicked my butt. Like, super nauseous and tired, terrible chemo brain, couldn't get out of bed for days, only felt kinda normal 2 days prior to my next dose kicked my butt.

I'm not saying this to be discouraging, but to say everyone is different, and your experience is your experience. I wasted a lot of what little energy I had during chemo wondering what was wrong with me that I felt so awful and everyone else seemed to be doing so well.

I hope you feel great, but if you don't, know you're not the only one and it will be over. Just take it one treatment at a time.

Also, I cut my (halfway down my back) hair to a short cut right as chemo started, then once it started falling out, I "shaved" my head to a 1/2 inch buzz, not a razor, since my hairdresser said it'd be more comfortable that way, and she was right. It allowed me to get the little stubs of hair out with a lint roller (learned that here , as they felt like little needles in my head once my hair started to fall out. That would've been harder to do if it'd been shaved with a razor.